As consumerism grows worldwide, so has the influence of several of our beloved local brands. From food and beverage to fashion and lifestyle products, these Singapore companies have proudly made their footprint across the globe.
1. Tiger Beer
Singapore’s very own alcoholic beverage was born in 1932, and since then has been brewed in at least 11 countries and tasted by people from more than 75 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, the United States, Latin America, and the Middle East. The time-consuming brewing process and use of only high-quality ingredients from Australia and Europe have created this distinctly tasty beer. The local brand has won over 40 international accolades and awards. Besides the original brew, other variants such as Tiger Silver and Tiger Radler, continue to provide consumers with more choices to enjoy.
2. Creative Technology
The producer of multimedia and digital entertainment products, such as Super X-Fi, Sound Blaster Audio Card and ZEN portable music players, Creative Technology was and still is a key player in the consumer electronics market. With offices in California’s Silicon Valley, Dublin, Shanghai, and Tokyo, the brand has extended its reach worldwide, but with increasing competition from other audio makers, it remains to be seen if the brand can stay afloat in the pool of tech giants.
3. TWG Tea
Established in 2008 as a luxury brand, The Wellbeing Group (TWG) Tea started serving some of the finest blends of tea at Raffles Place, before expanding to more than 14 countries worldwide. The salons and boutiques can be found from Japan and Hong Kong, to Germany and the United Kingdom. Tea leaves and bags are sold in their signature TWG yellow tins or boxes, which are favoured by tourists and tea lovers alike.
4. Crystal Jade
With over 100 outlets across 25 cities, such as Hong Kong, Seoul, Hanoi, and Bangkok, the Michelin-star Chinese restaurant chain has successfully extended its reach beyond Singapore. Even in San Francisco, there is a Crystal Jade eatery with a seating capacity of 400! While the company has been bought over by French luxury group L Capital, the brand continues to maintain high standards in its cuisine. The backing of the new stakeholder could also open the doors for the brand’s future expansion.
5. Charles & Keith
Homegrown footwear and accessories brand Charles & Keith is no stranger to local and international shoppers. Since its establishment in 1996, the brand has become well-known across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and even Africa. With its diverse range of stylish shoes, bags, belts, and sunglasses, most of which are designed by the company itself, there is something for every customer.
6. Osim
Before Osim started selling massage chairs, the company was mainly marketing household items, such as knives and sharpeners. Since its move to retailing healthy lifestyle products, the brand has become a household name not just in Singapore, but also in Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Korea. With over 60 point-of-sale outlets already in Asia, the brand could become a prominent player in the international market as well.
7. BreadTalk
BreadTalk has evolved from a single bakery brand to a multinational company owning an impressive portfolio of several big names, such as Toast Box, Food Republic and Din Tai Fung. With over 900 retail stores in operation, it is no surprise when you see a BreadTalk bakery appearing on the streets in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia or Thailand.
8. Ya Kun
This chain of cafés in Singapore is synonymous with traditional Kaya toast, eggs and coffee. Even though tourists still flock to Singapore to eat these local treats, the company has marketed its brand to at least 11 countries across the region, mostly in Asia. There are over thirty franchised outlets overseas and potentially more in the future.
9. Old Chang Kee
Yet another successful food brand in Singapore is Old Chang Kee, known for its humble curry puffs and other addictive fried finger food. The establishment has numerous outlets in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and all the way to the United Kingdom.
10. Bee Cheng Hiang
What started out as a market stall, the Bakkwa or roasted pork jerky retailer has extended its influence to eight countries including Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and even South Korea. With over 260 outlets, customers can conveniently purchase their favourite snack even after Chinese New Year.